Drug interactions
Artemether / lumefantrine + Epinephrine
Severity: Moderate
Artemether / lumefantrine and Epinephrine: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Artemether/lumefantrine can prolong the QT interval, and epinephrine can provoke arrhythmias and hypokalemia. Together they may increase the risk of torsades de pointes, although epinephrine use in anaphylaxis is often essential.
What this interaction means in plain words
Artemether / lumefantrine and Epinephrine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation and proarrhythmic effects, with epinephrine-related beta-2 mediated lowering of potassium.
What to do
Do not withhold epinephrine in emergencies such as anaphylaxis. For non-urgent use, obtain an ECG and correct potassium and magnesium.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Epinephrine
- Epinephrine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Epinephrine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Epinephrine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Acebutolol + Epinephrine Major
- Amitriptyline + Epinephrine Major
- Amoxapine + Epinephrine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Artemether / lumefantrine with Epinephrine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Artemether / lumefantrine and Epinephrine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Artemether/lumefantrine can prolong the QT interval, and epinephrine can provoke arrhythmias and hypokalemia. Together they may increase the risk of torsades de pointes, although epinephrine use in anaphylaxis is often essential.
How serious is the interaction between Artemether / lumefantrine and Epinephrine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Do not withhold epinephrine in emergencies such as anaphylaxis. For non-urgent use, obtain an ECG and correct potassium and magnesium.
What other medicines interact with Epinephrine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Epinephrine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine. The full list is on the Epinephrine page.
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